Leading natural beauty brand, Burt’s Bees, has released the findings of a nation-wide ‘Smile It On’ survey that explores happiness, human connection and the power of a smile in Australia. So, what makes us smile? When it comes to smiles, there’s proof they are infectious; a staggering 83% of people surveyed agreed that smiles are contagious and 90% agreed that when someone smiles at you, you can’t help but smile back. Beyond this, smiles are powerful; 94% of respondents agreed that a smile is a sign of support, 96% agree that it can connect us, and 96% agree that when times are tough, a smile can make life feel a little brighter. Of all the research, the country was most aligned (97%) on the fact that a smile costs nothing but has the power to change. Hearing good news (54%) was the number one driver of a smile, followed closely by doing something that makes someone else smile (34%).
With this in mind, Burt’s Bees have partnered with the Happy Boxes Project, a national charity focused on empowering women by alleviating the barriers some women face in accessing basic needs. Toiletries and beauty products are boxed and sent across Australia, helping women in need, and helping to bring a smile to their faces. The Happy Boxes are sent to women in remote communities. I grew up on a property in NW NSW, and I used to think it was remote, but some of these communities are really remote – at the end of 750km of red dirt roads. Some others are only accessible via boat or plane. Some communities may be lucky enough to have a small general store, but the prices of basic items are high due to their remoteness, and affordability is low. These Happy Boxes allow women in these remote communities to access basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, face and body lotion, and oral hygiene products, and of course lip balm, for a gorgeous smile. If this doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will. This Australia Day, if you’d like to help out an Australian woman in need via the Happy Boxes Project, or to find out more information, click on the link above.
Photo credit Above/Right and Featured Image: Leicohln McKellar Photography
